PIPD Update Nov 6, 2026

 Drug Product Recall - diphenhydramine 25mg & 50mg capsules

PIPD Update Oct 23, 2026

 

PIPD Weekly Update

Happy Friday everyone!

As we head into the weekend, here are a few updates, reminders, celebrations, and opportunities to keep us all moving in the right direction.

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Infection Prevention & Control Spotlight

Hand Hygiene Sinks Are for Hand Hygiene Only

Did you know that hand hygiene sinks can become contaminated by substances poured down the drain and may then become a source of transmission for microorganisms? Infection Prevention & Control Practitioner, provided the following reminder for our teams.

Please Do Not Pour the Following Down Hand Hygiene Sinks:

• Bath water
• IV fluids
• Feeding solutions
• Beverages
• Other liquid waste

These substances introduce organisms and sugars into sink drains, creating ideal conditions for microbial growth and replication.

Why Does This Matter?

Studies have shown that splash and spray from hand hygiene sinks can contaminate nearby items, particularly those within one metre of the sink. This may include:

• PPE carts
• Milk fridges
• Disinfectant wipes
• Patient care equipment and supplies

Contamination is often invisible, making proper hand hygiene practices even more important.

The Most Effective Prevention Strategy

Proper hand hygiene remains the single most important method of reducing transmission of microorganisms in healthcare settings. Any item we touch may unknowingly be contaminated, so please continue to perform hand hygiene consistently before and after patient contact and when entering or leaving patient care areas.

here's a video JoAnn shared: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjScWmtQt5Q

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Education Days Start Next Week!

Education Days kick off next week.

Please make sure you've completed any required preparation ahead of time so you're ready to get the most out of the sessions.

And a friendly reminder... you are paid for a 12-hour day. 😊

Come prepared, be engaged, learn something new, and enjoy the opportunity to connect with coworkers!

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Nursing License Renewal Reminder

It's that time again.

Rumour has it that nursing practice hours have been distributed through a MyConnection email.

I still haven't found mine.

If you've discovered where those hours are hiding, please share your wisdom with the rest of us! In all seriousness, please don't leave your nursing license renewal until the last minute.

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Shout Out to Amirali

We recently received feedback from Cardiology recognizing Amirali for his excellent work.

The feedback highlighted not only his strong bedside nursing care, but also his clear and concise charting, up-to-date fluid balances, and overall attention to detail.

You made a positive impression on both your patient and the physician involved.

Great work, Amirali! 👏

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A Huge Thank You to Nina

Nina, I hope you feel as appreciated as we feel about you.

You have made a tremendous difference on the unit and there is no question that shifts run more smoothly when you're working.

Your positivity, support, and contributions do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for everything you do. ❤️

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Fluid Balances: Let's Talk About It

Why isn't this getting done?

If a patient has accurate intake and output monitoring ordered, it needs to be completed.

These measurements are not busy work. They are part of the clinical picture and influence patient care decisions every day.

If you're unsure about:

• What should be documented
• How to complete a fluid balance
• How to calculate mL/kg/hr
• Why the information is important

Please ask.

Ask a friend. Ask your resource nurse. Ask an educator. Ask your manager. Ask anyone. Even Google.

There is absolutely no shame in asking questions. There is risk in guessing.

Let's work together to improve our compliance in this area.

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Overnight Pain Management Matters

A reminder, particularly for our Orthopedic and ENT patients.

Many of these patients have PRN pain medications available, yet we are hearing that overnight medications are sometimes not being given because patients are sleeping.

While the intention is kind, the result can be patients waking up in significant pain, struggling through the morning, and potentially experiencing delays in discharge readiness.

Yes, sometimes this means waking a patient to administer pain medication.

Trust me on this one. 😉

If you're unsure whether this applies to your patient population or circumstance, please ask a colleague, resource nurse, educator, or physician.

Helping patients stay ahead of their pain sets them up for success.

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Medication Discrepancies

Please check your medication discrepancies.

They are getting a little out of hand.

Unresolved discrepancies require investigation, create additional work, and can result in reporting requirements. These issues don't simply disappear if left untouched.

Take a few minutes during your shift to review and clear discrepancies that belong to you.

Future you will thank you.

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Privacy Training Reminder

If you have not yet completed Privacy Training Foundations 2026, please ensure this gets done as soon as possible.

Remember that the training is completed through MyWork.

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Social Work Contacting Process

A reminder that updated guidance regarding Social Work contact processes has been circulated. Please ensure you are using the current pathways and contact information when requesting Social Work involvement.

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 Linen Reminder

I don’t know who is doing this or how this is happening, but please do not discard full linen bags when linen carts are full!

Arrange for the cart to be exchanged or transport the linen as required. Throwing away full linen bags creates unnecessary waste and additional costs and is just a little overboard if you ask me!

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Infection Control Week

Thank you to everyone who participated in Infection Control Week activities this week and supported IPC initiatives throughout the organization.

Every hand wash, every isolation precaution, and every infection prevention practice makes a difference.  The contest ends today, so sneak in your entry for a change to win a prize!

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Ronald McDonald House - Home for Dinner

The Social Committee is supporting families through Ronald McDonald House's Home for Dinner program on November 17.

Volunteers and donations are welcomed. Watch for more details and connect with David if you'd like to help. 

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Have a Wonderful Weekend

Whether you're spending the weekend at work, at home, at the hockey rink, making a snowman, catching up on sleep, or chasing kids from activity to activity, I hope the next 48 hours bring you some fun and a little bit of rest.

Thank you for everything you do for our patients, families, and each other.

Have a great weekend, everyone! 😊

Sharon & Kelly.

CNE Update:

Ed Days start Monday Oct 26!